Injuries can make or break a fantasy baseball season and as we develop our preseason draft strategy we need to identify players whose fantasy production may be compromised due to their various health issues. Keeping that in mind, the following players have current injury concerns which should be monitored this spring.

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Updated: March 31, 9:15am ET

Shohei Ohtani , SP/DH, Los Angeles Angels

Ohtani was removed from his Monday start due to a blister on his right middle finger. The blister will not affect his ability to swing a bat. Ohtani has dealt with blister issues in the past and is expected to be in the Angels’ Opening Day lineup as the Designated Hitter. It sounds like Ohtani will be able to make his scheduled Sunday start, but it’s a situation that should be monitored.

Luke Voit , 1B, New York Yankees

Voit was scheduled to have surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. There is no exact timetable for his return, but he’ll likely be out until at least sometime in May. Jay Bruce is expected to be the Yankees’ primary first baseman while Voit recovers from surgery. The lefty slugger has an opportunity to feast and take advantage of that short right field porch in Yankee Stadium.

Eduardo Rodríguez , SP, Boston Red Sox

Rodriguez, who has been dealing with a “dead arm” issue, is expected to start the season on the IL. Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom called Rodriguez’s condition a “short-term hiccup”. Tanner Rouck, considered a top Red Sox pitching prospect, will likely start the season in the starting rotation. 

George Springer , OF, Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays had been optimistic that Springer (oblique strain) would be in their Opening Day lineup. He is progressing well, but the Jays “will make a last-minute decision” on whether to place him on the IL before Thursday’s game against the Yankees. Stay tuned.

Ji-Man Choi , 1B, Tampa Bay Rays

Choi, who has been having issues with his right knee for most of the spring is set to have arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday. The Rays will have a better idea of Choi’s expected recovery time once the surgery is completed, but he is expected to be sidelined at least three-to-five weeks. Yoshi Tsutsugo is expected to play first base against RHP’s, and Yandy Díaz is expected to get some starts at first base vs. LHP’s. Mike Brosseau may also sneak in a few starts at first as well.

Eloy Jiménez , OF, Chicago White Sox

The timetable for Jimenez’s potential return has been updated. Jimenez, who is undergoing surgery to repair a torn left pectoral muscle, was originally expected to miss five-to-six months of the season.  He is now expected to need only four-to-five months of recovery time. White Sox top prospect Andrew Vaughn has been getting starts in left field since Jimenez originally sustained his injury.

José Leclerc , RP, Texas Rangers

Leclerc’s status has been updated. He will be undergoing Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2021 season and part of the 2022 season as well. Ian Kennedy and Matt Bush should be in line for save opportunities this season. Joely Rodríguez , who is dealing with an ankle injury, could also eventually close out games as well.

Sonny Gray , SP, Cincinnati Reds

Gray, who has been sidelined due to recurring back spasms, will open the season on the IL. He has started a throwing regimen and the Reds hope that Gray can quickly build up his stamina and only be forced to miss his first two scheduled starts of the season.

Mike Soroka , SP Atlanta Braves

Soroka worked two innings against the Red Sox on Tuesday. It was his first action against live hitters since August 3rd of last season. Soroka has been recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon. He’ll continue his rehab and is expected to rejoin the Braves rotation by the end of April.

Christian Vázquez , C, Red Sox

Vazquez was hit in the face by a ball during a defensive drill on Thursday. He received a large cut under his left eye which required stitches. He is scheduled to have a follow up exam on Wednesday (today) and have his stitches removed on Thursday (Opening Day). According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, “it’s one of those where we’re not 100 percent sure he’ll be there but there’s a pretty good chance he’ll play on Thursday.”

Anthony Santander , OF, Baltimore Orioles

Santander has been dealing with what is being considered as a minor oblique injury and has been held out of the Orioles’ spring lineup since last Tuesday. Santander’s 2020 season ended prematurely due to an oblique injury. This is a situation that needs to be carefully monitored.

Kyle Lewis, OF, Seattle Mariners

Lewis was diagnosed with a deep bone bruise to the outside of his right knee after colliding into a wall last Monday. He has continued to experience discomfort and inflammation and his Opening Day status is in doubt.

Robbie Ray , SP, Toronto Blue Jays

Ray is expected to miss his first start of the season as he recovers from an elbow bruise. He suffered the injury while falling down the stairs of his spring training residence. This does not appear to be a long-term injury.

Miles Mikolas , SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Mikolas will open the season on the IL due to shoulder soreness and inflammation. He is expected to be able to rejoin the Cardinals rotation sometime in May.

Kwang-hyun Kim, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Kim, who has been sidelined due to a back injury, will open the season on the IL. He has been making good progress and will likely miss his first two turns in the Cardinals rotation. Look for him to return to action in the middle of April. Daniel Ponce de Leon and John Gant will open the season in the Cardinals’ starting rotation due to the injuries to Mikolas and Kim.

Updated: March 26th, 9:20am ET

Juan Soto , OF, Washington Nationals

Soto was removed from Thursday night’s game against the Marlins after experiencing what Nationals manager Dave Martinez is calling a cramp in his right calf. Soto will receive treatment and be re-evaluated today (Friday).

Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies

Bohm was removed from Thursday night’s game against the Yankees after experiencing tightness in his left groin. Manager Joe Girardi said the move was “precautionary” and called Bohm day-to-day. Brad Miller , who’s been sidelined with an oblique injury, and Scott Kingery would be candidates to replace Bohm should he need to miss time.

Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

An MRI, CT scan, and X-ray confirmed that Gallen’s forearm soreness was caused by a hairline fracture in his right forearm. The good news is that there is no ligament, tendon, or muscle damage and no surgery is required. With so many forearm issues leading to TJ surgery, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters that “to me, that was the best news possible.” Gallen, who has said that he only feels discomfort when throwing his curveball, has been allowed to continue with some light tossing. Lovullo could not give an exact timetable for Gallen’s return but he’s expected to begin the season on the IL. If that were to be the case Alex Young , Taylor Widener , and Taylor Clarke would be considered potential starting rotation replacements.

George Springer , OF, Toronto Blue Jays

An MRI confirmed that Springer has a Grade 2 oblique strain. Oblique injuries can sometimes take a while to heal but based on encouraging reports about Springer’s range of motion, this does not appear to be a long-term injury. Springer is considered day-to-day and will be re-evaluated to determine if he can be ready for Opening Day. If Springer was forced to miss time Jonathan Davis would be the favorite to temporarily replace him in center field.

Fernando Tatis Jr. , SS, San Diego Padres

Tatis was removed from Tuesday’s game after he injured his shoulder while attempting to make a backhanded defensive play. According to Padres manager Jayce Tingler, if it had been a regular season game he probably wouldn’t have been lifted. He also revealed that Tatis has been experiencing left shoulder discomfort off an on over the past few years. He said that Tatis “has a good feel for when it gets bad and when it’s not too bad.” Tatis returned to the Padres lineup on Thursday, but as the DH. It sounds like the Padres are being overly cautious, but at the same time dynasty managers need to take note of Tatis’ long-term health prospects.

Kirby Yates , RP, Toronto Blue Jays

Yates underwent TJ surgery on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the 2021 season. He potentially could miss the start of the 2022 season as well. Earlier in the week Jays manager Charlie Montoyo seemed unlikely to rely on one pitcher to be the team’s primary closer. Montoyo told reporters that “I don’t see the need to have just one closer.” Jordan Romano , who pitching coach Pete Walker called a “closer in the making,” and Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis, who earned five saves for the Jays last season, will be in line for save opportunities while Yates is sidelined. David Phelps and Tyler Chatwood could close out some games as well.

Harrison Bader , OF, St. Louis Cardinals

Bader is expected to miss four-to-six weeks of the season due to a forearm flexor strain. He’s been feeling discomfort in his forearm for much of the spring and has received platelet-rich plasma treatment in hopes that it will help accelerate the healing process. With Bader sidelined Dylan Carlson, who had been expected to start the season as the Cards’ right fielder, is an option to play center field. In that scenario Justin Williams and Lane Thomas might both see some time in right field to start the season.

Nick Anderson , RP, Tampa Bay Rays

Anderson was diagnosed with a partial tear of his pitching elbow ligament and is expected to be out until after the All-Star break. No surgery is recommended. Anderson led the Rays with six saves.

Updated: March 25th, 3:40pm ET

Eloy Jiménez , OF, Chicago White Sox

Jimenez has been diagnosed with a ruptured left pectoral tendon which will require surgery. White Sox GM Rick Hahn said that the team should receive an update in nine to 12 weeks, but Jimenez is expected to miss five to six months of the season. Jimenez sustained the injury while playing defense and trying to rob A’s catcher Sean Murphy from hitting a home run in Wednesday’s spring training game. One option Hahn is considering is to have rookie first baseman Andrew Vaughn, who was expected to DH this season, take some reps in left field. White Sox manager Tony La Russa said Vaughn will start in left field tomorrow (Friday) and “you’ll see him out there as much as possible” over final week of spring training. Veteran outfielder Leury García has 92 starts in left field for his career and is another candidate to temporarily fill in for Jimenez. The White Sox may also seek to add outfield depth through the trade market and free agency. Yasiel Puig , Josh Reddick and Yoenis Céspedes remain unsigned free agents. Deeper and unlikely internal options include Billy Hamilton , Nick Williams , Luis González , Micker Adolfo and Blake Rutherford .

Updated: March 22nd, 8:55am ET

Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Gallen was scratched from his scheduled Monday Cactus League start due to right forearm soreness. The right hander began experiencing forearm discomfort after being jammed on a pitch while taking swings in the batting cage a little over ten days ago. Gallen told reporters that he only feels discomfort when throwing his curveball, and that his velocity has not been affected. As this is being written the Diamondbacks are evaluating the results of an X-Ray and MRI which were conducted this past Sunday and his Opening Day status has not been confirmed. Should Gallen miss time to start the season Alex Young , Taylor Widener and Taylor Clarke would be considered potential starting rotation replacements.

Kirby Yates , RP, Toronto Blue Jays

Yates, who was expected to open the season as the Blue Jays’ closer, will likely miss several weeks due to a flexor strain in his pitching arm. Jays manager Charlie Montoyo seems unlikely to rely on one pitcher to be the team’s primary closer. Montoyo told reporters that “I don’t see the need to have just one closer.” Jordan Romano , who pitching coach Pete Walker called a “closer in the making”, and Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis ()">Rafael Dolis, who earned five saves for the Jays last season, will be in line for save opportunities while Yates is sidelined.

José Leclerc , RP, Texas Rangers

Leclerc, who was the favorite to open the season as the Rangers’ closer, is experiencing elbow soreness and is expected to miss a significant amount of time according to Rangers GM Chris Young . He has returned to Texas for further evaluation. Leclerc missed most of the 2020 season due to a shoulder injury and was being brought along slowly this spring. Rangers reliever Jonathan Hernández is already out indefinitely due to a UCL injury and manager Chris Woodward has not ruled out using a closer-by-committee approach to start the season. Look for Matt Bush and Ian Kennedy to potentially get save opportunities to start the season.

Julio Teheran , SP, Detroit Tigers

Teheran was removed from his Monday start due to back tightness. The situation should be monitored, but it appears the move was cautionary in nature. Teheran who has struck out 15 batters in 11 IP this spring has a good chance of opening the season in the Tigers’ starting rotation.

J.T. Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies

Realmuto, who is recovering from a fractured right thumb, is close to making his spring training debut. He was scratched from his scheduled start this past Sunday due to “general soreness”. He has not yet been ruled out for Opening Day.

Zach Eflin , SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Eflin, who has been limited due to a lower back injury, has been making progress and is on track to make his scheduled start for the Phillies on the third day of the season.

Tyler Clippard , RP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Clippard, who was expected to open the season as the Diamondbacks’ set-up man has been shut down for six weeks due to a capsule strain in his right pitching arm. It is the first time that the 36-year-old will spend time on the IL in his career.

Updated: March 19th, 10:00am ET

Carlos Carrasco , SP, New York Mets

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Dominic Smith , OF, New York Mets

Smith has been dealing with wrist soreness and has been left out of the Mets lineup since Wednesday. As per Mets manager Luis Rojas, Smith has been feeling discomfort in his right wrist for some time, and that “it’s something he’s had in the past, so it’s probably from a swing”. Smith is considered day-to-day.

Didi Gregorious, SS, Philadelphia Phillies

Gregorious had to be removed from Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays after being hit in the back of the head by an 89-mph fastball. He was initially dealing with what Phillies manager Joe Girardi called “a minor, minor headache”, but will be re-evaluated.

Zach Eflin , SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Eflin has been scratched from his expected Friday start due to back discomfort. The back issue flared up during a bullpen session this past Saturday. With Spencer Howard dealing with back spasms and unlikely to open the season in the starting rotation, if Eflin is sidelined to start the season, Vince Velasquez may have an opportunity to join the Phillies rotation for the short term. 

Nate Pearson , SP, Toronto Blue Jays

Pearson re-aggravated the right groin that he originally strained on March 1st. It’s looking like he’ll open the season on the IL. Ross Stripling is the early favorite to take Pearson’s spot in the Blue Jays’ starting rotation.

Jorge Polanco , SS/2B, Minnesota Twins

Polanco was removed from Tuesday’s exhibition game due to what is being called left adductor tightness. The injury is not considered to be too serious and Polanco, who is expected to be the Twins’ starting second baseman this season, is considered day-to-day.

Framber Valdez , SP, Houston Astros

Valdez, who broke his finger earlier this spring, is expected to avoid having to undergo season ending surgery and instead will rehab the injury. There is no timetable for his return as of yet.

Updated: March 16th, 9:30am ET

Hunter Harvey , RP, Baltimore Orioles

Harvey was removed from his Grapefruit League appearance on Friday after just one pitch due to a left oblique injury. As this is being written he is still feeling the effects from the injury. There is no exact timetable for his return, but it’s possible that he could miss an extended period of time. If that were the case, Tanner Scott could be in line for save opportunities to start the season.

Luis Robert , OF, Chicago White Sox

Robert was held out of Monday’s lineup due to an abdominal strain. His absence is likely due to an overabundance of caution on the part of the White Sox.

Mike Fiers , SP, Oakland A’s

An MRI revealed inflammation in Fiers’ hip which according to manager Bob Melvin makes him “a little bit of a long shot” to open the season in the A’s rotation. Fiers received an injection in order to reduce the inflammation. According to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, if Fiers opens the season on the IL, A.J. Puk may have a chance at being the Athletics’ fifth starter. Melvin called Puk the “ideal” candidate to open the season in the starting rotation. Daulton Jefferies, Grant Holmes, James Kaprielian and Cole Irvin may also be considered for the potential open spot as well.

Shogo Akiyama, OF, Cincinnati Reds

According to Reds manager David Bell, Akiyama will be sidelined for a “few weeks” due to a hamstring strain. He’ll begin the season on the IL. Jesse Winker , Nick Senzel and Nicholas Castellanos will open the season as the Reds’ everyday outfielders.

Jo Adell , OF, Anaheim Angels

Adell is dealing with a knee contusion after colliding with an outfield wall and is considered day-to-day. Adell struggled last season and is struggling again this spring. Preseason reports suggested that Adell will likely start the season in the minor leagues.

Ji-Man Choi , 1B, Tampa Bay Rays

Rays manager Kevin Cash announced Saturday that Choi would be shut down for seven-to-ten days due to knee inflammation. Choi has been bothered by knee soreness for much of the spring. His status for Opening Day will be re-evaluated. Yandi Diaz or Yoshi Tsutsugo could play some first base if Choi were to be sidelined to start the season. Should that happen Joey Wendle would be able to fill in at third base, but Rays top shortstop prospect Wander Franco has been taking reps at third base as well.

Willie Calhoun , OF, Texas Rangers

Calhoun, who has been bothered by a sore groin for much of the spring, may start the season on the IL. Calhoun, who missed much of the 2020 season after being hit in the face with a pitch and later suffering a hamstring injury, is hoping to put together a breakout season for the Rangers.

Sonny Gray , SP, Cincinnati Reds

Gray, who has been dealing with back spasms for the past month, will likely open up the season on the IL. He’s being shut down for several days, and then will need some time to get back into game shape. Sleeper candidate Tejay Antone (groin) and Wade Miley (hamstring) have been dealing with minor injuries themselves but could be candidates to start the season in the Reds rotation.

Kwang-hyun Kim, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Kim, has been hampered by back tightness, and was scratched from his most recent Grapefruit League start. He played catch from 90 feet on Monday and is expected to continue to slowly expand his throwing program. His availability for Opening Day has not yet been determined. If he should be sidelined look for Daniel Ponce de Leon to have an opportunity to join the rotation to start the season.

Stephen Strasburg , SP, Washington Nationals

Strasburg left his most recent spring start due to tightness in his left calf. The injury is not considered too serious, and he is considered day-to-day.

Austin Nola , C, San Diego Padres

Nola fractured the middle finger on his left hand while catching in Saturday’s matchup against the Diamondbacks. His Opening Day status has not yet been determined. Should he be sidelined to start the season Victor Caratini would get the majority of starts in his absence.

Jarred Kelenic, OF, Seattle Mariners

Kelenic, who has been dealing with a Grade Two strain of the adductor muscle in his left knee, has progressed enough to begin taking batting practice. He is expected to start the season at the Mariners’ alternate training site but should see big league action before too long.

Updated: March 12th, 8:30am ET

Trent Grisham, OF, San Diego Padres

Padres manager Jay Tingler said Grisham suffered a “slight strain in his hamstring”. He injured the hamstring while running out a ground ball in Thursday’s action. Grisham will be re-evaluated in order to determine the severity of the injury.

Carlos Carrasco , SP, New York Mets

Carrasco felt elbow soreness after throwing batting practice and will be shut down for the next few days. Mets manager Luis Rojas expects Carrasco to be able to resume throwing again next week.

J.T. Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies

Realmuto, who is recovering from a fractured thumb, is one step closer to being declared ready for Opening Day. He was cleared to take part in baseball activities and according to manager Joe Girardi made about 40 throws, took ten dry swings and took 20 swings off a tee on Thursday.

Zack Britton , RP, New York Yankees

Britton, who was already being eased into action this spring due to a positive COVID test in January, is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone chip in his left elbow. He’s expected to be sidelined until at least June. Chad Green will likely start the season as next in line for save opportunities in the Yankees bullpen.

Jonathan Hernández , RP, Texas Rangers

Hernandez was diagnosed with a low-grade sprain of the UCL on his right elbow. He is expected to be shut down for approximately four weeks.

Updated: March 9th, 9:15am ET

Cody Bellinger , 1B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Bellinger, who had dislocated his right shoulder last season and is recovering from surgery to repair the shoulder, has begun to take part in defensive drills. He’s making progress and is expected to see game action by the middle of March.

Yasmani Grandal , C, Chicago White Sox

Grandal, who twisted his knee while taking part in team drills a little over a week ago, has been gradually improving. He was able to take part in some batting drills on Sunday. He is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Nick Madrigal , 2B, Chicago White Sox

Madrigal, who had offseason shoulder surgery which has been described as a cleanup procedure related to his 2020 mid-season shoulder separation, made his spring training debut this past Monday and remains on target to be in the White Sox Opening Day lineup.

Miles Mikolas , SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Mikolas, who missed the 2020 season recovering from surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his forearm, is experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder. He was expected to throw a bullpen session on Sunday but the Cardinals have decided to shut him down for a few days.

Framber Valdez , SP, Houston Astros

Valdez, who fractured his left ring finger while making his spring debut against the Mets last Wednesday is weighing his options. Initially it was suggested that he’d need season ending surgery to repair the fracture. However, Valdez is considering rehabbing the finger, in an attempt to return to action at some point this season. Stay tuned.

Brandon Belt , 1B, San Francisco Giants

Belt, who has been recovering from offseason surgery to remove a spur from his heel and had been suffering from a non-COVID related illness, recently resumed some baseball activities. He hasn’t seen any game action yet but is expected to continue to take part in hitting and running drills. His Opening Day status is yet to be determined.

Lorenzo Cain , OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Cain is dealing with a right quadricep strain and will be shut down for the next week. Cain was already kept out of action the previous week but there hasn’t been enough improvement in his condition. Cain suffered the injury while running the bases. His Opening Day status is not known at this point.  

Trevor Rosenthal , RP, Oakland A’s

Rosenthal, who is expected to be the A’s closer, has been sidelined due to what is being described as a slight groin strain. He began to feel some discomfort on Saturday and has been shut down ever since. A’s manager Bob Melvin said “we don’t have a target date for him to throw yet. We think it’s minor in nature but…he’s been feeling it the last two days.” Jake Diekman would probably be next man up in the A’s bullpen.

Sean Murphy , C, Oakland A’s

Murphy, who had two surgeries to repair a collapsed lung this offseason, is making progress and was expected to take coaches batting practice on Monday. The A’s are hoping that he will be ready for Opening Day.

José Martínez , OF, New York Mets

Martinez will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. According to Mets beat writer Tim Britton, Martinez will be out of action for approximately four months.

Kole Calhoun , OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Calhoun underwent successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus on his right knee. He is expected to need at least four-to-six weeks to recover from the procedure which would mean that Calhoun would be sidelined until mid-to-late-April at the earliest.

Updated: March 4th, 10:25am ET

Framber Valdez , SP, Houston Astros

Valdez fractured his left ring finger while making his spring debut against the Mets on Wednesday. He injured the finger while trying to field a ground ball, but was able to stay in the game, throwing 24 pitches in two innings of work. X-rays revealed the fracture and Astros general manager James Click stated the “medical staff needs to do additional tests and imaging before deciding on the next steps. We will know more in the upcoming days."

Update: Jon Heyman is reporting that Valdez has been recommended for surgery to repair the broken finger and could miss the regular season.

 

 

Jon Lester , SP, Washington Nationals

Lester is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove his thyroid gland. He had been experiencing fatigue this spring, and after a series of tests and medical consultations it was decided that Lester would have the surgery prior to the start of the season. Barring any complications Lester should be back in camp in a week or so. Manager Dave Martinez told reporters that the Nats "still have plans, as of right now, that he will start the season with us on his scheduled day, but we'll have to see -- after this procedure's done -- how he's feeling."

Updated: March 2nd, 9:55am ET

Xander Bogaerts , SS, Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are delaying Bogaerts’ spring training debut due to shoulder soreness. As per Red Sox manager Alex Cora, COVID related lockdowns in Aruba prevented Bogaerts from taking part in his regular offseason throwing program. Cora explained that as a result, Bogaerts “rushed himself with his throwing program during the off-season.” Bogaerts will be able to take part in fielding drills, but he’s been temporarily shut down from performing all other spring training activities. Bogaerts had an MRI done on the shoulder, but according to Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom “nothing concerning” was discovered.

Yasmani Grandal , C, White Sox

Grandal twisted his right knee while participating in team drills this past weekend. He initially experienced some inflammation, but is expected to see spring game action this week. This doesn’t seem to be an injury that has long term implications, but since Grandal is expected to handle the majority of the White Sox’s catching duties, it’s an injury that is worth monitoring.

Updated: February 26th, 9:42am ET

Yoán Moncada , 3B, Chicago White Sox

Moncada has been hampered by some “early spring soreness” in his throwing arm. Moncada, who attributed his 2020 season long slump to the lingering effects from his positive COVID-19 diagnosis, says he feels strong and is prepared to play a full 162 game season. White Sox manager Tony LaRussa indicated that he could be game ready by Sunday or Monday.

José Abreu , 1B, Chicago White Sox

Abreu tested positive for COVID-19 during the spring training intake process and will be held out of camp for several days. He’s currently asymptomatic, but suffered mild symptoms from the disease in January.

Alex Bregman , 3B, Houston Astros

Bregman tweaked his right hamstring while working out this offseason. It’s the same hamstring that he injured last season. Bregman has yet to take any infield practice but did take on-field batting practice on Thursday. On Wednesday Bregman tweeted that “if the season started today I’d be good to go.” It sounds like the Astros are being overly cautious and that he should be OK for Opening Day, but it’s a situation that should be monitored.

Updated: February 23rd, 9:10am ET

Max Scherzer , SP, Washington Nationals

Scherzer sprained his ankle while taking part in his preseason conditioning program approximately two weeks before reporting to camp. He’s been dealing with some inflammation, and the injury is expected to delay his ability to throw off of a mound. According to Nationals manager Dave Martinez, Scherzer felt no pain in the ankle during his workout on Monday. Scherzer’s ankle injury is not expected to develop into a long-term issue.

J.T. Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies

Realmuto suffered what is being called a “small” fracture in his right thumb. He injured the thumb while attempting to block a ball in the dirt about a week before the start of camp. He was able to catch a bullpen session this past Saturday, but as expected, was unable to throw the ball back to the pitcher. Realmuto isn’t expected to see any exhibition game action until at least mid-March and the Phillies are hoping that he’ll be ready for Opening Day.

Shane Bieber , SP, Cleveland

Bieber was late in arriving to camp due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Cleveland team president Chris Antonetti reported that Bieber suffered from “very, very mild symptoms”. He was cleared to begin working out with his teammates on Saturday.

J.A. Happ, SP, Minnesota Twins

Happ tested positive for COVID-19 and is expected to join the team once he has served his mandatory 10-day quarantine period and tests negative. Happ is asymptomatic.

Franchy Cordero , OF, Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox placed newly-acquired outfielder Franchy Cordero on the COVID-19 Related IL. There is no minimum or maximum amount of time that a player can remain on the list and there was no specific information regarding Cordero’s condition at the time this blurb was being written.

Josh James , RP, Houston Astros

James, who is rehabbing from October left hip surgery, is expected to start the season on the IL, but may be able to pitch out of the Astros bullpen by the end of May.

Updated: February 16th

Sean Murphy , C, Oakland A’s

According to A’s manager Bob Melvin, Murphy recently underwent surgery to treat a collapsed lung. Melvin indicated that Murphy would obviously be late in reporting to the A’s spring training facility but the hope is that he’ll be able to get into some exhibition games before the start of the season. He’s expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Rhys Hoskins , First Base, Phillies

Hoskins underwent surgery to repair a ligament tear in his left elbow in October. The timeline for his recovery was estimated to be four-to-six months. Although the surgery was on Hoskins’ non-throwing elbow, it’s important that he fully heals so that he’s able to get a firm grip on the bat and drive the ball. He’s expected to be ready for Opening Day, but if Hoskins’ rehab extends into the regular season look for Alec Bohm to play some first base to start the season.

Nick Madrigal , Second Base, White Sox

Madrigal, a sleeper at a shallow fantasy second base position, had left shoulder surgery this past October and was expected to need five-to-six months of recovery time. Watch his progress this spring.

Matt Chapman , Third Base, Oakland A’s

Chapman is recovering from surgery to repair his torn hip labrum. He underwent the surgery last September and the timeline for his recovery was expected to be four months. According to A’s manager Bob Melvin, Chapman will be a “full go” for spring training.

Gio Urshela , Third Base, New York Yankees

Urshela had surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow in December. He was expected to be sidelined for three months but has already been taking swings and fielding groundballs. He’ll likely be ready for the start of the season.

Cody Bellinger , OF/1B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Bellinger had surgery to repair his dislocated right shoulder in November 2020. Reports from earlier this month indicated that Bellinger was taking one handed swings using just his left hand, and that he has not yet been cleared to take full swings. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects him to be ready for Opening Day.

Trey Mancini , 1B/OF, Baltimore Orioles

Mancini missed the 2020 season due to a Stage Three colon cancer diagnosis. He beat the disease and was able to start swinging a bat in October and took part in his regular offseason program. Mancini showed up to the Orioles’ spring training complex more than a week before position players were required to report to camp and has been takings some serious hacks in the batting cage. Look for Mancini to be in the Orioles’ Opening Day lineup.

Yordan Alvarez , DH, Houston Astros

Alvarez had arthroscopic surgery on both of his knees in August 2020. He’s been cleared to resume running and has posted videos of his treadmill workouts. He’s expected to be ready for the start of the season and according to Astros GM James Click, Alvarez may see some time in the outfield in 2021.

Dinelson Lamet , SP, San Diego Padres

Lamet enjoyed a breakout 2020 season, but he skipped his final regular season start and missed the postseason due to elbow and bicep soreness. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection last October and the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Lamet has been throwing off of a mound as part of his offseason throwing program. However, the Padres’ mid-January acquisition of Joe Musgrove demonstrates that they are hedging their bets with regards to Lamet’s health this season.

Mike Soroka , SP Atlanta Braves

Soroka tore his right Achilles tendon and had surgery to repair the tear in August 2020. Initial estimates put his recovery time at five-to-six months. He began an offseason throwing program in November and based on an interview that Braves pitching coach Nick Kranitz gave to The Athletic, Soroka’s arm may be ready for the start of the season before his leg is. Watch his progress closely this spring.

Miles Mikolas , SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Mikolas had surgery to repair the flexor tendon on his right arm and missed the entire 2020 season. He has been throwing off of a mound since January and the Cardinals do not expect him to be limited this spring. Mikolas is optimistic that he’ll be able to throw at least 170 innings this season. Barring any setbacks, he should be in the Cardinals’ Opening Day rotation.

Chris Sale , SP, Boston Red Sox

Sale underwent Tommy John surgery last March and was able to start throwing again in September. However, Sale experienced neck stiffness in late December, and that interrupted his throwing program. He’s since been able to resume throwing. Sale was tentatively expected to be able to rejoin the Red Sox rotation by the middle of the summer, and while he still might, his timetable has been delayed due to his recent setback.

Eduardo Rodríguez , SP, Boston Red Sox

According to Red Sox GM Bryan O’Halloran, Rodriguez will have no restrictions this spring. Rodriguez missed all of 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19 and later being diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammatory heart condition.

Stephen Strasburg , SP, Washington Nationals

Strasburg is recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. He’s expected to be ready for Opening Day. Watch his progress, and especially take note of his velocity. If he pitches well this spring, expect his ADP to quickly rise.

Jameson Taillon , SP, New York Yankees

Taillon missed the 2020 season rehabbing from his most recent Tommy John surgery. He’s been battling injuries and setbacks for much of his career. He’s had hernia surgery, beaten testicular cancer and had two Tommy John surgeries. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Taillon “is said to be throwing with exceptional control and appears ready to go for the start of the Yankees’ camp.”

Corey Kluber , SP, New York Yankees

Kluber pitched just one inning for the Rangers last season and missed the rest of 2020 due to a grade-two muscle tear in his right shoulder. Kluber’s shoulder slowly recovered and by October 2020 he was cleared to begin his normal offseason routine. Kluber’s velocity topped out at 90 mph in a mid-January showcase and the Yankees, who are desperate for starting pitching help, offered him a one-year $11 million contract. With two Cy Young Awards and two straight injury shortened seasons, he’s got both upside and risk heading into the 2021 season, but unless he suffers a setback, he should be ready for Opening Day.

Luis Severino , SP, New York Yankees

Severino hasn’t thrown a big league pitch since September 28th, 2019. He missed most of that season with a rotator cuff injury and underwent Tommy John surgery in February of 2020. The Yankees are hopeful that he might be able to rejoin their rotation by the middle of the season.

Noah Syndergaard , SP, New York Mets

Syndegard, who had Tommy John surgery last March, is said to be slightly ahead of schedule in his rehab. He’s been throwing off a mound since November and the Mets are optimistic that he may be able to join their rotation in late-June or early-July.

Frankie Montas , SP, Oakland A’s

A’s manager Bob Melvin reported that Montas is dealing with COVID-19 and will be late in reporting to camp.

Kirby Yates , RP, Toronto Blue Jays

Yates had season-ending surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow and is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2021 season.

Jordan Hicks , RP, St. Louis Cardinals

Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery in June of 2019. He opted out of the 2020 season in part because he wasn’t fully recovered from the surgery, and partly due to his Type-1 diabetic condition and the dangers of COVID-19. Cardinals bullpen coach Bryan Eversgerd has pronounced Hicks as “ready to go” for the 2021 season. Hicks has a chance to be the Cardinals’ closer this season.

Roberto Osuna , RP, Free Agent

Osuna is a high-risk free agent who will attempt to pitch through a partially torn UCL and avoid having Tommy John surgery this season.

Seth Lugo , RP/SP, New York Mets

Lugo, who is expected to return to the Mets bullpen after spending time in their rotation last season, is having surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow. The Mets will likely shut Lugo down for six weeks following the surgery. He’s unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.